Health and Community Services
October 2, 2015

Supporting Health and Wellness

Province-Wide Mental Health Apps Available for Adults and Youth

As part of ongoing efforts to increase access to early intervention services for mental health and addictions, the Provincial Government has expanded Bridge the gAPP, a free mobile app that offers guidance and supports to residents throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We want everyone in our province to know that a broad scope of guidance and support for mental health and addictions is available whenever we need it. Bridge the gAPP is a valuable online tool that provides a new way to connect with help quickly. It offers something for everyone, from advice on dealing with stress and anxiety to rapid-connect services for addressing thoughts of suicide and other mental health emergencies."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

As part of this launch, a whole new mental health and addictions services app for adults is being released. Bridge the gAPP for adults includes many of the same features as the existing youth app, but suited for adults. The youth app has also been expanded to include new features. Both apps include an array of self-help resources, as well as a searchable directory for mental health and addictions services. The apps also offer access to BreathingRoom - an online self-management program to help manage stress, depression and anxiety. The program is endorsed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

"I am tremendously proud that my home province is trailblazing innovative and meaningful ways to address mental health challenges. Pioneering e-mental health services like Bridge the gAPP will offer important means for early intervention and support. I am very pleased that Newfoundland and Labrador is rolling out these initiatives."
- Louise Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Commission of Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the first provinces in Canada to adopt BreathingRoom, which was developed by the Canadian Institute of Natural and Integrative Medicine (CINIM).

"The CINIM team is delighted to work with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to offer residents access to BreathingRoom. At CINIM we continue to work to create more accessible, affordable and effective mental health resources which benefit individuals, families and communities globally."
- Dr. Badri Rickhi, Research Chair and Founding Member, CINIM (Canadian Institute of Natural and Integrative Medicine)

The expansions to Bridge the gAPP were made in partnership with community stakeholder groups, the regional health authorities, individuals with lived experience, and members of the Premier's Youth Advisory Committee.

"This anytime-anywhere technology offers new access to the critical resources needed by family, friends and colleagues struggling with substance abuse and addiction, demonstrating this province's leadership in providing real-time information and services for those living with substance abuse and addiction as well as mental health issues."
- Rita Notarandrea, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Member, Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Council (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Both youth and adult apps are now available to download free through the Apple App Store, Google Play or www.bridgethegapp.ca .

QUICK FACTS:

• The Provincial Government has expanded Bridge the gAPP - a free mobile app that connects residents with guidance and supports for mental health.
• The existing youth app has been expanded to offer more supports and services. A new standalone app has been developed for adults as well.
• Bridge the gAPP features self-help resources, a comprehensive directory of local services and access to the BreathingRoom program.
• The apps are available for download on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Both apps and a mental health and addictions service directory can also be accessed at www.bridgethegapp.ca .
• The expansion of Bridge the gAPP was a partnership initiative between the Provincial Government, regional health authorities, community stakeholder groups, individuals with lived experience, and members of the Premier's Youth Advisory Committee.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca	Heather Thomas Marketing and Communications Manager Canadian Institute of Natural and Integrative Medicine 403-220-0022 H.Thomas@cinim.org
Patti Robson Director of Marketing and Communications Mental Health Commission of Canada 613-683-3742 probson@mentalhealthcommission.ca	Theresa Woolridge Senior Communications Advisor Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse 613-235-4048, ext. 237 twoolridge@ccsa.ca

2015 10 02                              10:45 a.m.